FLORIDA SOLAR ENERGY CENTER A Research Institute of the University of Central Florida
Climate Change and Tourism Track Interpretation and Education
Real Education in Sustainable Energy William Young
Florida Solar Energy Center University of Central Florida
Florida Solar Energy Center A Florida State Renewable Energy Research Institute established 1975
Administered by the University of Central Florida Web site: www.FloridaEnergyCenter.org
Definitions Sustainable travel Tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. (TIES) Sustainable Energy Provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. (Wikipedia)
Session Objectives
To empower tourism professionals to develop innovative strategies for energy choices that yield reduced impact to climate change. To promote sustainable energy practices by showcasing best practice examples and lessons learned. To promote change in industry practices through increased understanding and acceptance of renewable energy resources. To encourage continuing energy education through individual and corporate development planning.
Why is this subject important? “Emissions of … greenhouse gases (mostly CO2) add to the natural greenhouse effect and as a consequence, lead to climate change.” (United Nations World Tourist Organization) “All changes in the climate system pose significant flowon challenges for tourism. The destinations likely to be most affected by climate change include already fragile environments.” Source: Critical issues in ecotourism: understanding a complex tourism phenomenon
Develop Innovative Strategies
Complete an energy audit to determine optimum energy loads – needs and wants. Use a rating program by which you evaluate current practices. Develop a short and long term sustainable energy management plan. Use established energy efficiency certification data during development projects. Address energy solutions with an integrated systems approach. Leverage options to gain greatest sustainability impacts and reduce climate change issues.
Lessons Learned/Best Practices
“…there is a link between responsible stewardship and financial self interest. More than any other industry, tourism depends on a clean environment.”
Source: Traveling Light - New Paths for International Tourism
Maho Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
Photovoltaic power Solar hot water Conservation Efficiency Recycling Waste management Source: www.Maho.org
Kanimbla View Cliff Top Retreat Blackheath NSW, Australia Energy management, PV, solar thermal Green building Waste and water management Environmental education Rated one of the 10 best solar-powered tourism properties in the world Source: www.Kanimbla.com
Chena Hot Springs Resort Fairbanks, Alaska
Geothermal power Wind monitoring station Photovoltaics Hydro pumping Absorption heating/cooling Source: www.ChenaHotSprings.com
Renewable Energy Technology
Renewable Energy Resources
Photovoltaics Solar Thermal Wind Hydro Geothermal Ocean wave Biomass Hydrogen
Photovoltaics Collector arrays of photovoltaic cells convert solar energy to electricity. What it costs: 20 to 35 cents per kilowatt-hour Carbon Footprint: 0 tons - production
Courtesy, National Renewable Energy Labs, US Department of Energy
Solar Thermal Collector arrays convert solar energy to heat/thermal energy for hot water or electricity. What it costs: 8 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour Carbon Footprint: 0 tons - production
Courtesy, National Renewable Energy Labs, US Department of Energy
Wind Wind currents turn turbines that generate electricity or produce mechanical energy. What it costs: 3 - 9 cents per kilowatt-hour Carbon Footprint: 0 tons - production
Courtesy, FSEC
Hydro Water currents in rivers turn turbines in a dam that generate electricity. What it costs: 5 – 12 cents per kilowatt-hour Carbon Footprint: 0 tons - production
Baker Lake Dam in Washington
Courtesy, National Renewable Energy Labs, US Department of Energy
Geothermal Steam from beneath Earth’s surface turns turbines to produce electricity; thermal differences between levels of ground and sea can be used for air conditioning. What it costs: 4 - 6 cents per kilowatt-hour Carbon Footprint: 0 tons - production
Courtesy, National Renewable Energy Labs, US Department of Energy & Geothermal Education Office
Ocean Wave Coastal waves compress air in chambers, powering turbines to generate electricity. Deep currents can also turn the turbines.
Courtesy, National Renewable Energy Labs, US Department of Energy
Ocean Wave Coastal waves compress air in chambers, powering turbines to generate electricity. Deep currents can also turn the turbines. What it costs: 4 - 9 cents per kilowatt-hour Carbon Footprint: 0 tons - production Courtesy, National Renewable Energy Labs, US Department of Energy and Mineral Management Services, Interior
Biomass Plant material, vegetation, or agricultural waste used as a fuel or energy sources. What it costs: 5 – 12 cents per kilowatt-hour Carbon Footprint: 0 - .5 tons - production
Courtesy, National Renewable Energy Labs, US Department of Energy; photo credit: Warren Gretz
Hydrogen Burned in an engine or processed in a fuel cell to produce electricity. What it costs: 20 - 46 cents per kilowatt-hour Carbon Footprint: 0 – 1 tons - production
Courtesy, National Renewable Energy Labs, US Department of Energy
Present Practices versus Sustainable
First Florida ZEH home – still active in Lakeland, FL. 1999 Conventional home versus zero energy sustainable design Side-by-side test
Control building
PVRES building
Efficiency First, Then Solar
Efficient equipment and materials Conservation practices Synergy among solar, building energy efficiency and load management Building energy management Passive building design Daylighting Code enforcement
Exterior Color Impacts “White hot” versus “cool blue” roofs Control House
ZEH
Energy Comparison
Utility-Interactive PV System with Battery Storage
Source: Xantrex/Trace Engineering
Zero Energy Buildings
Closed system for energy analysis Generate as much as you consume or more.
Open and Closed System Relationship Relationship between Energy and climate and travel Global Macro International Macro National Macro Regional Macro Local Meso Family Meso Individual Micro
Observations
Many definitions of ecotourism and sustainable energy exist based on a variety of factors such as region, associations and type of tourism. “Sustainable” concepts are poorly understood. Contradictions confirm the general conflicts of interest and paradox of concepts.
Continuing Education
Become an active member of an energy-related trade or professional association. Attend educational programs and conferences to engage in structured learning experiences. Stay abreast of current technology, issues and opportunities by seeking credible data and materials. Play a role in developing an energy efficiency measurement system within the Ecotourism industry. Gain hands on education through actual experience. Become a teaching guide to inform the public.
FLORIDA SOLAR ENERGY CENTER A Research Institute of the University of Central Florida
Contact Information: William Young Florida Solar Energy Center University of Central Florida 1679 Clearlake Road Cocoa, Florida, USA 32922 (321) 638-1443 www.floridaenergycenter.org young@fsec.ucf.edu